On the sage plains of the northwestern states this abundant Hawk can be observed circling slowly until prey is sighted — when it is transformed into a swift alert hunter. Bendire states that its disposition is gentle and unsuspicious, allowing smaller birds to build their homes in the same tree. Arkansas Kingbirds have been known to build directly under the Hawk's nest or actually in the sides. Their food is entirely animal and insectiverous. They destroy the large black cricket so destructive to all vegetable life. The farmer who shoots these extremely beneficial birds certainly is doing himself an injury.
Western North America. From Alaska, Mackenzie and Manitoba south to central United States. Rare east of Mississippi.